South Australia’s emergency services personnel will today begin door-knocking more than a thousand homes at risk of inundation in River Murray communities to ensure residents are well prepared for the coming flood peaks.
Current modelling shows a high likelihood of 175 gigalitres of water a day is expected to be flowing into South Australia by early December, with a second peak of between 185 gigalitres (high probability) and 220 gigalitres (low probability) due later in the month.
Based on those forecasts, the State Government is advised between 3500 – 4000 properties could be inundated.
“In recent days, I’ve seen first-hand the resourcefulness and resilience of our River Murray communities. But we don’t want to leave things to chance,” said Premier Peter Malinauskas.
“We want residents to have a plan and to listen to the advice of authorities. Do not wait until it is too late.”
The government has sought additional advice from Office of Data Analytics to determine how many primary residences would be flooded for different flow forecasts given properties include a mix of homes, shacks, sheds and land.
The analysis shows approximately 455 primary residences are at risk should flows reach 200 gigalitres a day, while approximately 1086 primary residences would be at risk should flows reach 250 gigalitres a day.
Out of an abundance of caution, personnel from the Metropolitan Fire Service, Country Fire Service, State Emergency Service and SAPOL will now undertake a systematic effort to door knock those homes, starting with those most at risk.
State Emergency Service Chief Officer Chris Beattie said “We have identified approximately 3670 properties that are within the inundation zone and are at risk of flooding. Of these about 455 properties have been identified as primary residences.
“We will be working with the local community, and providing assistance where appropriate, to ensure people are making the necessary preparations to deal with the flooding. Which includes making plans to leave their properties and where they can go.”
Emergency service staff and volunteers will contact residents and obtain contact details for those who live in at-risk homes. They will also assess the level of risk based on mapping as to the water level expected to reach the home.
Residents will be provided with information sheets and calling cards and will be encouraged to discuss with authorities their plans for when they are no longer able to stay at home.
While many residents will have made plans to stay with family or friends, the State Government also has arrangements in place to secure emergency motel accommodation in the Riverland and elsewhere.
For those with caravans but who can’t find a place at a caravan park, the government has secured a site in the Riverland with power and ablutions that can accommodate up to 200 caravans.
For those who must leave their homes for an extended period and can find a private rental option, the government is offering assistance with bond and rent in advance along with grants of up to $5,000.
While we hope it is not required, an evacuation centre site has also been secured that it is designed to provide a single night of accommodation for a large number of people as they are triaged into motels or other accommodation.
In total, this provides the capacity to help hundreds of people simultaneously with accommodation while providing as much choice as possible under difficult circumstances.
From today, flood affected Riverland residents will be able to seek government support and assistance from a ‘one stop shop’ at the first Emergency Relief Centre
at the Berri Senior Citizens Club.
People can also contact the River Murray Flood Relief line on 1800 302 787.
People wanting more information on the River Murray flood event can call the SA SES flood and storm information line on 1800 362 361 anytime or visit the SES website.
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